School of Nursing Presents Individual Awards during October 26 Second-Degree Fast Track and PTEW Programs Pinning Ceremony

In addition to recognizing the accomplishments of 43 nursing students in its accelerated Fast Track and Part-Time Evening + Weekends (PTEW) programs during an October 26 pinning ceremony, the Holy Family University School of Nursing & Health Sciences announced several individual honorees from among the two cohorts.

Vice Dean Dr. Jinsy Mathew presented the awards that included:

The Kathy Kelly West Award for Clinical Excellence
The award is presented annually to a graduating nursing student who demonstrates clinical excellence in the care of patients. Excellence, defined as never wavering in any aspect of nursing, epitomizes flawless, near perfect, clinical care.  

“Our recipients, Caran Baxter and Wilneris Fuentes, have been described as students who are dedicated, confident, intelligent and patient-focused,” Dr. Mathew said.  “Their care was premier, grounded in science, lifesaving and noticeably worthy of this honor.  They always came to clinical well- prepared to care for patients and provided excellent care to patients and their families.  The staff in the clinical areas admired the dedication that Caran and Wilneris displayed.”

The Compassion and Caring Award

The award is presented to a graduating nursing student who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the profession of nursing and proudly mirrors the values of the Judeo-Christian tradition, assuming lifelong responsibilities toward God, society and self. 

“Our recipients, Dorina Ciuciu and Meghann Enright,  maintain the University’s motto teneor votis ‘I am bound by my responsibilities,” Dr. Mathew said. “They are exemplars of caring and compassionate nurses who approach each patient with a smile and cheerful greeting  and use active listening to clearly understand the patients’ concerns and needs. They demonstrated countless acts of compassion in every one of their interactions with patients, staff members and peers. 

Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
The award is presented to the graduating nurse who, at the completion of the program has the highest- grade point average.

“Our recipients, Carolyn Ludes and Meghann Enright, consistently demonstrated academic excellence throughout their time in this rigorous program, maintaining a high, if not the highest GPA,” Dr. Mathew said.

Students enrolled as working-professionals with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in Holy Family’s  14-month Second Degree Fast Track BSN and 22-month Evenings + Weekends Program can earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree and become a professional registered nurse.  The layout of the program features all courses, clinicals, and labs on the evenings and weekends without any full-time student commitments. The program is offered in the spring and fall, with classes meeting two nights during the week, and clinicals held on weekends. For additional information, including admission requirements, please visit the Second Degree Fast-Track BSN Evenings + Weekends program website.